Nurturing Eco-Literacy in Saanich

Saanich Parks and Recreation recognizes the value of kids spending time in play in the natural world. We strive to include nature based experiences whenever possible in our preschools, early childhood programs, and camps. There are many benefits to including nature play within our programs including:

Creating a Connection with Nature

Develop Skills, Abilities & Confidence

Re-Enchantment with the Natural World

Improved Levels of Physical Activityor More Physically Active

A Natural Partnership

This year Saanich is partnering with Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary to offer our first outdoor preschool program. Swan Lake is not only home to a wide variety of birds and animal species, it is also home to many wonderful and engaging nature programs for children of all ages. With its 48 acres of outdoor classroom, SLCHNS continues to be the go-to site for nature education in Saanich. If a full year preschool is not for you, check out the other great programs for children at SLCHNS www.swanlake.bc.ca.

E.C.O. Program
Educating Children Outside

Children belong outside! Connecting through nature-based full year early childhood education will help foster a sense of wonder, curiosity and imagination as children experience and engage with the natural world around them. ECE led emergent and play based curriculum.Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary ** FULL - Currently taking waitlists **Vicki Finucane-Bell & Carla MacRae

3 year old E.C.O. program (birthday in 2011*)(*child must be 3yrs by Oct. 1st, 2014)Tu / Th Sept. 2014 – June 2015 9:00am – 12:00pm $169/month

4 year old E.C.O program (birthday in 2010*)(*child must by 4 as of Oct. 1st, 2014)M/W/F Sept 2014 – June 2015 9:00am – 12:00pm $244/month

4 year old E.C.O program (birthday in 2010*)
(*child must by 4 as of Oct. 1st, 2014)
M/W/F Sept 2014 – June 2015 9:00am – 12:00pm $244/month

Some Eco-Friendly changes at Gordon Head Recreation Centre:

UV Pool Filtration comes to Gordon Head!

Gordon Head Recreation Centre is pleased to announce the addition of ultraviolet technology to its pool disinfection, in addition to the existing chlorine-based system. There are many benefits of UV filtration ranging from improved health and safety to lower expenses.

Ready for a solar shower?

Saanich is very excited to have our first solar hot water system installed on a municipal building at our Gordon Head Recreation Centre. Next time you are at Gordon Head, take a look at the four panels on the roof that are now heating the centre’s shower water. The system is expected to reduce our carbon footprint by 20 tonnes annually (almost 400 GJ of Natural Gas).